CD Reviews

A SUPERLATIVE REMASTERING JOB REVITALIZES A CLASSIC!

06/20/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought the first Victor/Victoria CD when it came out about ten years ago. Although the music from this great film can never disappoint, that first CD did, because the music sounded like it was recorded in an echo chamber. Dull, and with tons of reverb, it sounded no better than my old LP.Now, finally, the Turner/Rhino crew have done their usual job of magic and created a beautiful sounding album that glistens with the same excellence that the movie did. Not only are all the songs and underscore here, but they even included a great rehearsal cut with Robert Preston cracking up everyone at the recording session.Of course, Julie Andrews magnificent vocals highlight this great album, and they've never sounded better. We also are given a chance to hear the whole song "Cherry Ripe" which was just briefly excerpted in the movie. A true treat for Andrews fans.As you listen to Mancini's underscore, you can relive the hilarity of the movie, and begin to giggle as you recall the wit and wonder of Blake Edwards' inspired farce.Last, but certainly not least, this CD is impeccably packaged, accompanied by lots of rare photos, and a very informative essay into the history of the production.Plainly said, if you have the old CD, throw it out, and get this new one immediately. You'll be glad you did!"

One of the greatest soundtracks... now better than ever!

C. Pencil | 06/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This new Rhino / Turner music 2002 re-issue of the "Victor Victoria" soundtrack is just amazing! The whole thing has been remastered and the sound is like nothing you have heard ever before. It truly lets Julie Andrews and the rest of the casts' performances sparkle like you are hearing them live and for the first time. The inclusion of Julie singing the full version of "Cherry Ripe" is worth the purchase of this CD alone. My heavens, this woman is talented. Hearing performances like this by Julie, really makes you appreciate her great gift when it was at the top of it's form. "Le Jazz Hot" is a real experience in itself, and this new mix of it will just knock you out.Many extra tracks, never before available even on the 1994 expanded release, are on this new CD and they sound incredible as well. "You and Me" sung by Julie and Robert Preston is here in it's original movie version for the first time, as well as the original LP version. The jazz instrumental of "You and Me" is now better than ever if that's possible. It really has a "live" quality to it now. Much more of Mancini's background score is included for the first time. Wow.. what classy, romantic mood music it is. This beautiful Oscar winning Henry Mancini score is one of his best. The "Crazy World" main title track, with it's gorgeous French sound, is so heartbreakingly beautiful, you can listen to it again and again.This work is the combination of some of the greatest talents of our time. This CD will surely become a favorite."

The ultimate Julie Andrews musical

Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 03/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"VICTOR/VICTORIA is most probably Julie Andrews' most-accomplished and effective movie musical performance. Singing the sparkling songs by Henry Mancini and Leslie Bricusse, Miss Andrews is beautifully showcased.VICTOR/VICTORIA is based on the little-known German fim 'Viktor und Viktoria', and recounts the story of a penniless opera singer, stranded in Paris, called Victoria Grant. Victoria makes a friend in nightclub entertainer Toddy (Robert Preston - THE MUSIC MAN, MACK AND MABEL) who suggests that she masquerade as a gay polish female impersonator. The ruse works, and 'Victor' is the toast of Paris, until Victoria falls in love with a handsome Chicago mobster called King Marchan (James Garner). Adding complications is King's ditzy moll Norma (Lesley Ann Warren - CINDERELLA, THE HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE).The score for VICTOR/VICTORIA runs the gamut from the showstoppers ("Le Jazz Hot") to the torchy ballads ("Crazy World"). Other standout numbers include Robert Preston's charming "Gay Paree" as well as Lesley Ann Warren's racy and raucus salute to "Chicago Illinois".Highly-recommended."

Exceptional!

C. Pencil | 12/28/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is tops in every way. It is one of Henry Mancini's most beautiful scores and certainly one of Julie Andrews' greatest performances. The sound quality of this recording is very good. The main title instrumental of "Crazy World" is pure heaven. Julie's recordings of "Le Jazz Hot", "The Shady Dame From Seville" and "Crazy World" are amazing. Included along with the vocal selections are the great instumentals from the film as well. "You And Me" is one of the most sophisticated and classy jazz performaces of all time. You will love owning this CD of this great film soundtrack."